Vote of confidence

Sheffield city centre forges ahead

NEARLY 25 years after Meadhowhall shopping centre opened its doors for the first time, and paved the way for a succession of out-of-town malls to be built around the country, the retail landscape in Sheffield is set to go full circle after council leaders set out new plans for the city centre two years after the demise of the Sevenstone scheme.

Not only is today’s announcement a significant vote of confidence in the South Yorkshire economy, but the ambition of the plan shows how city centres can still thrive as major shopping destinations and compete against the likes of Meadowhall or those online retailers who are becoming increasingly influential in this sector.

The symbolism is important – private businesses are more likely to pour money into those areas where major investment and development work is taking place. This project certainly signifies that Sheffield is open for business.

However the city can’t afford to stand still if it is to compete against regional rivals. While Sheffield is already home to two highly successful John Lewis department stores, the first branch will only open in Leeds city centre when the long-awaited Eastgate scheme is completed.

Yet, by devising a scheme that makes the most of this retail opportunity and Sheffield’s industrial past, there is no reason why the city cannot prosper in the months and years ahead as one of the country’s premier business, retail and leisure destinations.